Grouting
Grouting vs regrouting: which one does your tiled floor need?
The two words get mixed up constantly. One is part of laying new tiles, the other is a repair on tiles that are already down.
4 August 2026 · 4 min read
Regrouting that makes tired tiles look new without replacing them
Crumbling, cracked or stained grout makes sound tiles look worn out. We remove it, clean the joints and replace it, and the whole surface lifts.
Most of the time the tiles are fine. It is the grout between them that has aged, cracked or soaked up years of dirt and moisture. Regrouting replaces that grout without disturbing the tiles.
Done properly, it is also the repair that matters most in wet areas. Grout that has failed lets water into the joint and, over time, behind the tile.
What this covers
Shower and bathroom regrouting
Floors and walls in wet areas, with corners and junctions finished in flexible silicone rather than grout.
Kitchen and living area floors
Whole floors regrouted for a consistent line and an easier surface to keep clean.
Balcony and outdoor tiling
Joints that take weather and movement, using grout suited to the location.
Colour refresh
Changing grout colour is a simple way to update a room. We talk through what works with your tiles.
How the job runs
- 1
Assess the joints
We check how much of the grout has failed, whether tiles are loose and whether the problem runs deeper than the grout.
- 2
Remove the old grout
Failed grout is raked out to a consistent depth without chipping the tile edges.
- 3
Clean the joints
Dust and debris are removed so the new grout has a clean surface to grip.
- 4
Apply the new grout
Joints are packed to full depth and tooled so every line is even.
- 5
Finish and clean back
Excess is wiped off and the haze removed. We explain cure time and how to look after the new grout.
Why do it this way
- A fresh, consistent finish across the whole surface
- Joints that keep water out again
- Far less disruption than retiling
- A clearer picture of any underlying problem, found while the old grout is out
Regrouting: common questions
How long does regrouting last?
It depends on the grout used, how wet the area is and how well the joint is cared for. Cement grout in a shower will not last as long as epoxy grout, but a properly applied job should serve you well for years.
Will regrouting stop a leak?
It will stop water getting through failed grout. If the leak is from the waterproofing membrane or plumbing, regrouting will not cure it and we will tell you so.
Should I regrout or replace the tiles?
If the tiles are sound, regrouting is the cheaper and simpler fix. Replacement makes sense when tiles are cracked, loose across large areas or the surface beneath has failed.
Can I change the grout colour?
Yes. The tile edges may show staining from the old grout, so we talk through options before we start.
What a job looks like
- Brunswick · Sample projectRegrouting a 1960s bathroom floor in BrunswickCrumbling, stained grout lines on an older mosaic floor were raked out and replaced, with the wall-to-floor joint resealed.
- Carlton · Sample projectHigh-pressure cleaning a tiled courtyard in CarltonA shaded courtyard with green algae and ground-in grime was cleaned back, with a few open joints refilled.
Guides on this
Pool tiles
Why pool tiles lose grout, and what repair involves
Missing grout around a pool is more than a cosmetic problem. Here is why it happens and how a repair is done.
19 August 2026 · 4 min read
Grouting
How long should regrouting last?
There is no fixed number of years. These are the factors that decide whether new grout lasts or fails early.
18 September 2026 · 4 min read
Available across Northern Melbourne, South Eastern Melbourne, Eastern Melbourne, Western Melbourne and Melbourne CBD and inner city.
Get a quote for regrouting
Send a few details and we will come back with a clear, written quote. There is no charge to ask.
- Servicing Melbourne, Victoria